Guide to Online Management Degree Programs

Below is a list of accredited Management Degrees from schools providing online courses. You can search for additional colleges offering Management degrees or other degrees that may be related by using the widget to the left or further down. You can even fill out the “Request Information” forms with the links provided to request free information from each school.

1) What Management Degrees Exist and What are They Called?

Every field needs managers from engineers to the service industry. Below are just a few of the management degrees available.

Associate in Business Administration (A.B.A.)
There are few management degrees at the associate level, but those who want to enter business management at an entry level can earn this one.

Bachelor of Science in Business Management (B.S. in B.M.)
Whether earned online or in person, there are many specialties offered such as global business, human resources, and many more.

Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.)
Another popular choice for a management degree at the undergraduate level, specialties include operations, security, information systems, and others.

Certified Management Accountant (C.M.A.)
This degree varies on the state in which you wish to practice accounting in. However, it is usually a master’s degree and generally requires the passing of the Certified Public Accountant exam.

Bachelor of Science in Construction Management (B.S. in C.M.)
If looking to go into construction at the management level, this degree is for you. Subjects taught include building codes, terminology, operations, and more.

Bachelor of Science in Financial Management (B.S. in F.M.)
Learn finance, accounting, risk management, and investments with this management degree. It can also help prepare you for the Certified Cash Manager Exam.

Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.)
This graduate degree is for those who want to enter the healthcare field in the administrative or management field.

Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.)
The degree prepares students to serve as managers in the executive positions at the local, state, federal government, and non-profit organization level.

Doctor of Management (Ph.D. in M.)
This is one of the highest management degrees available. It is also available in organizational management, leadership, and many others.

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
If an M.B.A. degree isn’t enough for you, check out this Ph.D. level degree in business administration. Similar sub-specialties are also offered.

In addition to loads of management degrees, many schools also offer certificates at the undergraduate and graduate level. Some managers, such as accountants and finance, may also be required to pass an exam and/or obtain a license, so make sure the degree you earn corresponds with the requirements of the career.

2) Where Can I Find Management Degree Rankings?

When studying for any type of higher education, the most important thing to look for is accreditation in the school offering the degree. One of the most simple ways to do so is to check out the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs. They have an easy to use search engine that can tell you if a school is accredited, along with what agency it is accredited by.

One of the most popular choices for rankings schools is USA Today. They list schools by a number of factors such as student to teacher ratio, cost of tuition, acceptance rate, and many others. They also rank schools by type and you can click here for a list of current schools offering the best undergraduate business degrees. They also have a list of top ten schools by state and even national universities.

While the rankings shown above are important, they should by no means be the sole basis for attending that school. Location, price, types of financial aid available, flexible classes, and many other factors all vary on the student, making the decision solely up to him or her.

3) Can I Transfer Management Degree School Credits?

If you already have completed collegiate level courses or have a degree, transfer credits can mean the difference for as many as two years of studying and 60 hours of credits in an undergraduate program, more or less depending on what school you transfer from or to.

Many schools allow up to half of the time it takes to get the degree sought after to be transferred. For example, one year transferred for a two year associate’s degree, two years transferred for a four year bachelor’s degree, and so forth. This is common for students whose funds are limited and want to start their education at a junior college but wish to graduate from a university. However, there are obstacles to transfer credits.

If the school credits were earned in isn’t accredited, transfer credits may not be allowed to another school. Even if both schools are accredited, being accredited by different agencies, such as national versus regional, can also be a hindrance to transfer credits. The best way to avoid this is to ask as early as possible which school accepts transfer credits for the management degree you are interested in.

One of the best ways to get transfer credits is to already have a degree. Even if the degree isn’t in management, chances are a school is more likely to allow you into a management degree program if you already have a degree from an accredited school. For example, someone with a bachelor’s degree can enter into a Master of Business Administration, or M.B.A., program at the graduate level and earn it in only two years.

4) What Careers are Common with a Management Degree?

Because managers are needed at all levels, we have provided just a few of the careers available with a management degree below.

Retail Store Manager
From large department stores to tiny shops, every retail store has at least one and sometimes several managers.

Restaurant General Manager
Oversee the operations in both the service and kitchen side of a restaurant in this position. Knowledge of health codes is required.

Construction Manager
Whether for residential or commercial, these managers are part of the building process from planning to opening the doors.

Project Manager
These managers are often assigned to a specific project or task within the company and are required to complete it on time and under budget.

Human Resources Manager
Be part of the process of hiring, managing, and maintaining a solid work force in this career.

Accounting Manager
Manage the numbers, taxes, and statements for the assets, liabilities, profits, and losses of part or all of a company.

Investment Manager
Manage finances including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, portfolios, etc. as part of this career.

Medical and Health Services Manager
Also known as healthcare administrators, they plan, direct, and supervise the delivery of healthcare to patients.

Social Services Manager
Work with a government agency to provide services to those who qualify for it as part of this career.

Executive Manager
Whether for a non-profit organization, large corporation, or other, this manager is responsible for many of the day to day activities and usually has a large staff to supervise.

While some careers may require a license or passing of an exam, each career in management has its own set of requirements in education, experience, and knowledge. If you know which area of management you would like to go into, do a search at a site like Monster or related to see what the standard is. You can also contact the human resources department of the employer(s) you are interested in working for to see what their preferences are.

5) How do I Become a Manager?

If you want to be a manager in any kind of field, a higher education is almost always is required. A bachelor’s degree is often asked, but other careers can require a master’s degree or higher. A bachelor’s degree generally takes four years and 120 hours of courses to complete if the student has no previous higher education. A master’s degree takes six years of study if the student has no previous higher education. However, many schools offer degrees that can be fast tracked if the student is motivated enough.

Once a proper degree is obtained, there may be other requirements to becoming a manager. For example, a construction manager may be required to pass a test and obtain a license depending on what state he or she works in. Ditto for accountants and many managers in finance. There are also many certificates offered to both undergraduate and graduate students in management. Although some professions such as information technology require certification in Cisco, Comp TIA, and others, most management degrees and careers do not require a certification.

As with any career in leadership, experience is a vital part of becoming a manager. Entry level positions such as coordinator, assistant manager, or associate manager are useful for upward mobility in just about any employer. A good idea when studying for a management degree is to pursue an internship or other position in whichever sector of management you would like to go into. A work for study or volunteer position can also be useful for getting school credits and valuable experience.

6) What is the Average Salary for Someone With a Management Degree?

The average salary of someone with a management degree depends on which position they take and how much education they have. For example, someone with a Bachelor’s of Business Management can make anywhere below or above the national average depending on the position. According to Payscale.com, a retail store manager makes an average annual salary of $46,041, the general manager of a restaurant makes $48,285, and a human resources manager makes $60,955.

One of the most sought after degrees, the Master of Business Administration, also has some of the highest average annual salaries. Even one of the lowest earning positions with this management degree, senior financial analyst, has a median annual pay of $73,329. Other managers such as IT project manager and finance manager have average annual salaries of $90,357 and $91,501, respectively. The highest earning manager was chief executive officer (CEO) with an average annual salary of $167,022.

If a special qualification such as a license or exam completion is required, average annual pay can also be increased. A salary snapshot for an accounting manager from Payscale.com shows that including bonuses and profit sharing, an accounting manager’s salary is $61,880. Those who go into the management on the construction level can make an average annual salary of $86,666 to $118,373 according to Salary.com and is affected by employer size, industry, credentials, and years of experience.

Type of employer worked for also has an effect on average annual pay. Taking the case of medical and health services managers, the highest paying employer by far according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics were general medical and surgical hospitals with an average salary of $87,040. The remaining employers of outpatient care centers, doctor’s offices, home health services, and nursing homes all paid their managers an average annual salary of $71,000 to $74,000.

7) Where Can I Find Management Degree Scholarships and Grants

Because paying for a management degree isn’t easy, we have gathered a few sources below to help.

FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a must know when applying for everything from your first to last year of higher learning. Fill it out early and every year to get the most out of financial aid.

Business Scholarships
If looking for a management degree in business, click here to get a list of national groups who offer them. Ranging from marketing to those for minorities, you can get links to the scholarship you need.

Accounting Scholarships
Provided by Accounting Majors.com, they list a number of associations that offer scholarships for accountants.

Construction Scholarships
The AGC Foundation offers both undergraduate and graduate level scholarships to students enrolled in ABET or ACCE-accredited construction management or related degree programs.

Human Resources Scholarships
The experts at HR People offer this guide to helping get your human resource management degree scholarship. Three steps are described in detail and several associations that offer scholarships are linked to.

Fast Web
This leading site can connect you to over $3.4 billion in scholarships and help in paying for school. Simply sign up for an account to begin.

FinAid
Get the smart guide to financial aid here. Learn the differences between scholarships, loans, and other types of aid.

Scholarships.com
Similar to Fast Web, this site also connects students with scholarship opportunities. They also have a section with contests and sweepstakes.

Financial Aid Office
Every school has one and it is their job to make sure that students can pay for school. Speak to them first to get the best and latest information on funds available at your school and for your type of study.

No matter what your financial situation, there is almost always some sort of help with paying for school. It is also important to know the difference in types of aid. Scholarships are free money given out on a need or academic basis. Grants come from the government and are given out on a needs basis alone. Loans are money that must be paid back in installments when the student graduates, so consider them carefully. Be sure to claim any out of pocket costs for education such as tuition, books, parking, etc. on your taxes. With both a Hope and Lifetime Learning Credit, April 15 can be the best day of the year for students.

Because paying for school can be such a daunting task, don’t make it harder by falling prey to scammers. Anyone who guarantees a scholarship or grant for money up front is not legitimate. In fact, applying for a scholarship or grant is completely free no matter if you lose or win. If you need help filling out the FAFSA or other form, contact your school’s counseling or admission offices for help. Their advice is free and more accurate than someone who charges a fee to do the same.